Report: Pelicans, Luke Babbitt agree to two-year deal in $2.5-million range
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The New Orleans Pelicans, surprisingly enough, have enough money left in their budget to sign someone not named Anthony Davis, who recently put pen to paper on a five-year, $145-million deal – the largest in league history.
There's at least a little bit of change left to re-sign unrestricted free agent Luke Babbitt to a new two-year deal worth roughly $2.5 million, reports ESPN's Marc Stein.
ESPN sources say Pelicans will sign Luke Babbitt to new two-year valued in $2.5 million range
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 10, 2015
The 26-year-old forward averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 63 appearances for New Orleans last season, with his best performance coming against the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 23, finishing with a near double-double of 18 points and eight rebounds.
New Orleans' small forward position is relatively weak, with Quincy Pondexter and Dante Cunningham the only other legitimate 3s on the team. Keeping Babbitt shores up depth, but not one of the three players are viable long-term options.
Then again, with Davis being Mr. Do-It-All for the Pelicans, there isn't a sense of urgency to improve around him, as he can hold down the fort by himself on any given night.
At least Pelicans fans get a few more seasons of Cool Hand Luke's marvelous hair. So that's nice.